Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 07-03-09

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] PM Costas Karamanlis holds talks with EU Commissioner Almunia, Luxembourg PM

[02] Climate change to dominate EU leaders' talks, PM says

[03] Putin in Athens on March 15

[04] University education draft law ratified

[05] Framework-bill for higher education passed 'in principle'

[06] Protest rally against draft bill for higher education in Athens

[07] Political comments over disturbances by students in central Athens

[08] PASOK leader calls for removal of public order minister

[09] Gov't returns charge of 'unreliability' to main opposition PASOK

[10] Papandreou: Doubling of daycare centres a PASOK priority

[11] Interior minister meets Cypriot counterpart

[12] Canadian House of Commons speaker holds talks with parliament president

[13] Croatian envoy cites 'symbolic nature' of Papoulias visit to Zagreb next week

[14] Draft bill for incomes policy, property tax tabled in Parliament

[15] Optimistic prospects for tourist movement this year

[16] Greek inflation unchanged at 2.7 pct in February, yr/yr

[17] Greek economic sentiment index down in February

[18] Gov't raises tax-exempt figure for home purchase

[19] General Labour Confederation leader on social insurance funds' reserves

[20] Parliament rejects proposal by PASOK on bank loans

[21] Scarabeo-6 platform drill arrives for extensive upgrade at Elefsis Shipyards

[22] Competition watchdog fines car importer 12.7 mln euros

[23] EFG Hellas successfully completes sale of 750-mln-euro FRN bond issue

[24] Emporiki Bank says Credit Agricole fully behind Balkan activities

[25] Hellenic Aluminium 2007 exhibition opens next month

[26] Greek enterprises paid 162,000 euros in compensation for illegal software

[27] Maillis Group to begin operations in Italy

[28] Greek stocks end 1.40 pct higher

[29] Greek bond market closing report

[30] Foreign Exchange Rates - Friday

[31] Parliament ceremony marks International Women's Day

[32] Left-wing party leaders' on International Women's Day

[33] Tourism minister pays tribute to Rosa Luxemburg in Berlin

[34] Ancient, Modern Greek to be taught at Zagreb's Classical Gymnasium

[35] Wireless audio guide, automated ticket systems OK'd for museums, sites

[36] Man shot dead during attempted jewellery store robbery in Piraeus

[37] Case of Alex's disappearance from Veria

[38] Another speedboat loaded with illegals intercepted off Samos

[39] Firefighters battle blaze in forest expanse in Kastoria throughout the night

[40] Athens mayor confers city medal on UEFA president

[41] Cloudy on Friday

[42] The Thursday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

[43] President Papadopoulos says Turkish side evading July 8 provisions

[44] President says Cyprus to join Eurozone if House votes in favour

[45] Cypriot President to pay official visit to Romania Politics

[01] PM Costas Karamanlis holds talks with EU Commissioner Almunia, Luxembourg PM

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis discussed the process to be followed for Greece's exit from the "excessive deficit process" in talks with European Commissioner for Monetary Affairs Joaquin Almunia and the Prime Minister of Luxembourg and head of the "Eurogroup" Jeane-Claude Juncker here on Thursday afternoon, before the beginning of the European Union's summit.

Everything will depend on the European Commission's predictions for the years 2006 and 2007 in early May.

Finance and Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis and Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis were present at the meetings.

The decision, following proposals by the European Commission, will either be taken at the Council of Economy Ministers in June or at the next session in July.

Alogoskoufis said that "we do not want to prejudge the Commission's decisions and, in a longstanding manner, I do not make assessments on this issue."

Alogoskoufis also met on Thursday with Regional Development Commissioner Danuta Hubner and discussed the structural funds for the 2007-2013 period, with the aim of speeding up their ratification, since Greece submitted individual operational programmes at the beginning of the week and is among the first countries to have promoted relevant procedures.

The finance minister held another meeting with Foreign Relations Commissioner Peter Mandelson and discussed the "Doha Round" and difficulties existing concerning world trade and achieving an agreement.

[02] Climate change to dominate EU leaders' talks, PM says

Climate change will dominate talks between European leaders in Brussels this week, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis told reporters here on Thursday. He made the statement while on his way to a European People's Party (EPP) summit meeting that preceded the council of EU leaders taking place here later the same day.

"We in Greece are also obliged to adapt our activities and our initiatives in the direction [of combatting global warming] and to deal with the problem and this is precisely what we intend to do at a faster pace," he added.

Karamanlis underlined that the repercussions of climate change have begun to be apparent in people's lives for a long time.

"We have an obligation to the present and above all the future generations to work toward combating this alarming phenomenon. And we must work together systematically and in an organised way, as much on a European level as in our country," he said.

Also attending the EPP leaders' meeting is Greek European Commissioner Stavros Dimas, in charge of environmental issues.

Prior to the start of the EU summit, meanwhile, Karamanlis is scheduled to meet European Commissioner for monetary affairs Joaquin Almunia, Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker who heads the Euro-group and European Parliament President Hans Gert Pöttering.

[03] Putin in Athens on March 15

Alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros made the announcement on Thursday morning.

The spokesman also confirmed a report, from the previous day, announcing that Bulgarian Prime Minister Sergey Stanishev will also be in Athens for the signing of the tripartite agreement.

[04] University education draft law ratified

The bill's articles were voted for unanimously by the ruling New Democracy (ND) party, since opposition parties had withdrawn from the discussion and independent deputy Stefanos Manos voted for almost all (declaring himself "present" on article 3 regarding academic asylum).

Yiannakou accepted the proposal by ND rapporteur and Xanthi deputy Filippos Tsalidis for the faculties of each university to have the possibility of preparing their own operation regulation in the framework of the foundation's overall internal regulation.

The education minister also accepted the proposal by Stefanos Manos for the list of books responding in an integrated way to the object of every lesson to be presented in time in each foundation's website and promised to examine the deputy's proposal that the promise to fund the foundations (in the framework of 4-year programming) to be accompanied by a bank guarantee.

Lastly, Yiannakou accepted the observation coming from the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) party for the presentation of the annual account of each foundation in its website, before its submission to the education ministry, as well as an account by the rectoral authorities at the end of their tenure.

[05] Framework-bill for higher education passed 'in principle'

Immediately after announcement of the initial result, which indicates Parliament's approval of the overall outline of the bill, main opposition PASOK's Parliamentary spokesman Miltiadis Papaioannou said the "applause [from ruling party MPs] cannot cover up the major weaknesses in the bill under discussion".

Accusing the government of "choosing a policy of conflict and polarisation" and of not taking main opposition proposals into account, Papaioannou announced that PASOK was walking out of debate on the individual articles.

Replying to the criticism, Education Minister Marietta Yiannakou noted that PASOK MPs had failed to follow standard Parliamentary procedure in presenting their proposed changes.

"Despite PASOK's withdrawal, I want to thank all colleagues for taking part in the discussion [of the bill] in principle with their positive and negative positions. But the Constitution and the law outline how proposals for amendments should be brought. If my PASOK colleagues wanted to contribute by making proposals, they would not bring a general text but would brought a text based on the rules, in the form of amendments, taking into account that what was said by PASOK was, in general terms, in the same direction as our own draft bill," she said.

Speaking for the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), MP Angelos Tzekis underlined that his party would fight to have ND's law "abolished in practice" because it was good for the children of the wealthy but not for those of ordinary, working-class families.

"We once again stress that what is passed in Parliament is not necessarily also accepted by society," he said.

The draft bill foresees reforms for Greece's increasingly bloated and unspectacular tertiary education system, including changes to the university asylum regime, a ceiling on the numbers years of study, introduction of student loans, a more representative election process for university faculty administrations, more transparent management of colleges' finances as well as increased autonomy.

[06] Protest rally against draft bill for higher education in Athens

When the protest march organised by students and educators reached Syntagma Square, opposite Greece's unicameral Parliament, groups of hooded youths passed in front of the ranks of students and tried to break through a police cordon outside the Parliament building, lobbing rocks, bottles and firebombs.

Police responded by using teargas, driving the main body of the protestors back from Syntagma Square, but the clashes between police and rioters continued for an extended period of time in and around the square, with the latter attacking police officers and surrounding buildings with stones and other objects.

Among the casualties were two traffic cameras at Haftia, two cash-dispensers outside banks in Stadiou and Filellinon streets and a police sentry box at the Unknown Soldier monument.

Taking part in the protest in Athens were students and teachers at all levels of the education system, in addition to other labour groups and workers, while the central demands were free state education for all and the withdrawal of the controversial government bill for universities and other tertiary education institutes.

Protestors stressed that they would continue mobilisations if the bill was passed until it was finally withdrawn.

The university teachers' union federation POSDEP has declared an indefinite strike to demand the bill's withdrawal, while the secondary school teachers' union OLME on Thursday held a three-hour work stoppage.

Representatives of student unions stressed that if the government passed the draft bill without taking into account "student masses" then it would never be implemented by universities in practice, since the entire educational community was united in opposing it.

They said the bill seeks to create "autocratic universities without asylum, with an inhuman pace of study," and to convert them into institutions churning out employees at the mercy of employers.

Earlier on Thursday, students in the Panspoudastiki group affiliated to the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) staged a sit-in at four private colleges in Athens, including IEK-Akmi, Deree College, New York College and the Hellenic-American Union.

Shouting slogans against the privatisation of education, they urged students at those colleges to take part in the protest rally.

In comments about the framework-bill, alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros said that Parliament's vote "completes a major and important reform that seeks to upgrade the structure and function of higher public education".

The government's goal was to improve the quality of education offered by Greece's state universities and increase the prestige of Greek university degrees, he added.

The spokesman also expressed conviction that "the vast majority of Greek citizens will respect the laws passed by the Hellenic Parliament."

The bill was passed in principle by Parliament on Thursday afternoon, with a vote on the individual articles due to take place later the same day.

The draft bill foresees reforms for Greece's tertiary education system, including changes to the university asylum regime, a ceiling on the numbers years of study, introduction of student loans, a more representative election process for university faculty administrations, introduction of independent evaluation, more transparent management of colleges' finances as well as increased autonomy.

[07] Political comments over disturbances by students in central Athens

Minister of State and government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos commented here on Thursday evening over the disturbances by students in central Athens earlier in the day.

He referred to the burning of a guard post outside Parliament in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

"All the democratic citizens condemn the sacrilege which occurred today at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by a group of demonstrators. Shame on the pitiful protagonists," Roussopoulos said.

Comments on the disturbances were also made in Athens by the main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) and the Communist Party of Greece (KKE).

PASOK spokesman Petros Efthymiou on Thursday evening attributed "heavy responsibilities" to the government and Public Order Minister Vyron Polydoras over the incidents by the students.

Efthymiou termed "particularly dangerous the government's tactic" and spoke of "operational and political inadequacy" on the part of Polydoras, as well as on "the unaccountable action yet again by the hooded individuals."

The KKE in its announcement "denounces to the Greek people and to the youth the unprovoked common plan which occurred today by police forces and the hooded individuals against the student demonstration in central Athens."

According to the KKE, "the government's responsibilities are more than apparent," adding that "the disturbances show that the aim is to slander and exert terrorism against the student movement."

[08] PASOK leader calls for removal of public order minister

Papandreou said in a statement that the New Democracy (ND) party government was "proved to be absolutely inadequate" on Thursday, adding that the only question remaining for the citizen is "if this is merely due to incompetence or a deliberate policy of polarisation and of using violence as a way of influencing public opinion."

The PASOK leader placed emphasis on disturbances in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, speaking of "desecration of the monument" and stressed that it "is the duty of every government and of every authority to protect the monument from every form of vandalism." He also stressed that he himself had warned that the government's option of handling issues of education as issues of order is dangerous.

In response to Papandreou's statements, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said from Brussels that "never was a police force needed to protect the historic memory which the sacred site of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier represents."

The spokesman added that "I do not comment on the other statements which steadfastly aim at tension and polarisation."

[09] Gov't returns charge of 'unreliability' to main opposition PASOK

The voluminous catalogue released by a handful of top PASOK cadres on Wednesday lists, as the party claims, ruling ND's unfulfilled pre-election promises.

"Besides, you cannot find, as hard as you may look, any greater proof of untrustworthiness and irresponsibility than the recent backpedaling of Mr. George Papandreou (PASOK's leader) on the issue of revision of Article 16," alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros said.

On his part, Public Order Minister Vyron Polydoras also rejected accusations made in the PASOK catalogue, saying that both a hazardous duty bonus (8 percent) was allocated to police officers, whereas the nationwide crime has fallen and not risen, as PASOK claimed. Along those lines he unveiled several statistical reports to prove his point.

[10] Papandreou: Doubling of daycare centres a PASOK priority

Papandreou also underlined PASOK's policy platform position for a lump-sum benefit of 2,000 euros for each newborn -- based on incomes criteria -- and the deposit of of the first 1,000 euros for that child into a time investment account from the state budget.

The money exists, Papandreou claimed, adding that it was a matter of what priorities are set, and stressed that his party was ready to apply its platform as of the next four-year term (of government).

Papandreou praised the role of women and paid tribute to their contribution in politics, science, culture, work, society and the family.

He clarified that one of the targets was for the kindergartens to be open all the hours that they are necessary, including throughout the entire summer, while daycare centres would also be in operation during the summer months in holiday spots.

[11] Interior minister meets Cypriot counterpart

The Cypriot minister invited his Greek counterpart to visit Nicosia.

After the meeting, Pavlopoulos congratulated Sylikiotes for the great progress which has been achieved at his ministry after Cyprus' accession to the European Union.

"We have common problems and common interests. We are here to give to Cyprus our views on the basis of the legislation which we have adopted and the results which we have achieved to date," Pavlopoulos said.

On his part, Sylikiotes thanked Pavlopoulos for the cooperation and the willingness of the ministry's services to help the Cypriot government, "which utilises Greece's experience in the best possible way."

[12] Canadian House of Commons speaker holds talks with parliament president

Psarouda-Benaki told reporters after the meeting that the talks with Milliken "reaffirmed our two countries' dedication to the implementation of the democratic principles, joint commitment to serving peace and its consolidation in the world", something, she added, that Canada was serving consistently through its participation chiefly in international organisations, and that Greece was serving both domestically as well as in the EU, and more specifically the Balkans.

Milliken, in turn, expressed satisfaction with the good relations between the two countries, and stressed that the purpose of his visit was the further reinforcement of bilateral contacts between the two parliaments, as well as the strengthening of commercial and cultural ties.

Psarouda-Benaki presented Milliken with the Gold Medal of the Hellenic Parliament, followed by a visit by the Canadian delegation to the hall of the Hellenic Parliament plenary.

[13] Croatian envoy cites 'symbolic nature' of Papoulias visit to Zagreb next week

Croatian leadership has made no secret over the recent period of its goal for EU accession in 2009, via intensified negotiations on the 35 accession chapters, as Zagreb's course towards the Union has gained noteworthy momentum and its share of support -- including in Athens -- by increasingly "enlargement fatigued" European leaders.

Croatian envoy Neven Madey stressed, during a press briefing at his embassy, that on the political front relations between Athens and Zagreb are excellent, while again adding, however, that improvement is absolutely necessary in the bilateral trade sector.

As such, he said Croatian officials are pleased that a large Greek business delegation, including representatives of chambers of commerce and Greece's exports promotion organisation, will accompany Papoulias on his two-day visit to the country.

Among others, the prospect of resuming all-important direct air and sea links between the two countries is expected to be discussed on the sidelines of the visit, as a representative of state-run national carrier Olympic Airways will also be on hand in Zagreb. Moreover, the tourism and banking fields were also cited as areas where some type of "strategic investment" can inaugurate closer economic ties.

Bilateral trade between Greece and Croatia reached the US$ 123-million mark for 2006, with the balance of trade favoring the former, $89 million to $34 million.

Papoulias' visit marks the fourth time a head of state of either country has visited the other since Croatia regained its independence in the early 1990s. Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis visited Croatia in mid January, whereas an exact date for a visit to Greece by the Croatian prime minister is pending, Madey said.

Finally, in response to a press question, the Croatian envoy said it is obvious that Croatia's neighbors are firmly backing Zagreb's EU accession prospects, although he emphasised that Croatian leadership has repeatedly cited support for the continuing harmonisation of the western Balkans with the European acquis as well as their EU prospects, while noting that Croatia's accession will be a positive development for the Union's Mediterranean bloc.

Financial News

[14] Draft bill for incomes policy, property tax tabled in Parliament

This provides for a 3.5 pct increase in the base wage of civil servants and local authority employees.

Other articles included in the bill determine minimum real estate prices for tax purposes and tax rates for calculating the Large Real Estate Property tax.

It also provides for increases of up to 33.3 pct in the tax-free allowance for the acquisition of a first home and scales for calculating inheritance tax, donations and parental gifts, as well as a limit for parental gifts for which only half the tax is paid.

[15] Optimistic prospects for tourist movement this year

Tourist Development Minister Fani Palli-Petralia on Thursday announced from the Berlin International Tourism Exhibition the beginning of a "new era" and a "new course" for Greek tourism with the aim of ranking Greece among one of the five top positions in the global tourism classification at the end of the current decade.

Speaking at a press conference to an audience of journalists and tourism sector officials from various countries, Petralia termed 2006 a "record year" in the history of Greek tourism, referring to unofficial but reliable, as she said, data according to which arrivals exceeded 15 million, while the inflow of tourist exchange amounted to 11.4 billion euros, confirming that the Greek tourism industry constitutes one of the most powerful "development machines" of the Greek economy.

The prospects for 2007 are also optimistic, given that data concerning the first two months of the year show that the record achieved in 2006 can be broken.

Petralia insisted once again on the need to modernise the Greek tourism product through differentiation and its qualitative upgrading.

"We want a Greece of four seasons and of many forms of tourism," she said in referring to the legal framework on facilitating investments in the tourism sector, as well as Greece's targeted advertising promotion as a tourist destination.

[16] Greek inflation unchanged at 2.7 pct in February, yr/yr

The statistics service, in its monthly report, said it expected the inflation rate to continue falling in March. Greece's harmonised inflation rate was also unchanged at 3.0 pct in February, while the core inflation (excluding fresh farm produce and fuels) rose to 2.9 pct in February from 2.6 pct in January.

The statistics service said the 2.7 pct figure of the inflation rate in February reflected a 0.3 pct decline in food and non-alcohol drink prices, an 11.6 pct fall in clothing and footwear due to the sales season, a 3.2 pct decline in durable goods, a 0.6 pct fall in hotel, coffee and restaurant service prices, and a 0.4 pct decline in other good and services. The consumer price index in February also recorded a 0.6 pct increase in heating oil and house rental prices, a 0.3 pct rise in healthcare prices and a 0.3 pct increase in lead petrol prices.

[17] Greek economic sentiment index down in February

IOBE, in its monthly report, said the February index remained higher compared with the long-term average (2000-2006) and was markedly higher compared with February 2006.

The Institute attributed the decline of the economic sentiment index to a worsening of climate in almost all business sectors, with the exception of the retail sector where sentiment continued improving significantly.

The business expectations index in the manufacturing sector eased to 104.1 in February, from 104.5 in January, but remained above a 103.2 reading in February 2006. Businesses' expectations over their production in the next three to four months weakened, although they remained positive, compared with the previous month.

The business expectations index in the construction sector fell to 105.2 in February, from 106 in January. The index was down for the fourth consecutive month compared with the long-term average, but was significantly up compared with February 2006 (94.9).

The business expectations index in the retail sector jumped to 132.6 in February, the highest reading since 1999, while the business expectations index in the services sector dropped to 106.8 in February from 111.4 in January.

The consumers' confidence index was almost unchanged in February, from January, IOBE said in its report. Greek consumers remained pessimistic over their expectations for their finances in the next 12 months.

[18] Gov't raises tax-exempt figure for home purchase

The draft legislation envisages a 20-21.74 pct increase in tax-exempt sums for the purchase of first homes to 90,000 euros for singles, 138,000 for married people (raised by 28,000 euros for each of the first two children and by 42,000 euros for the third child).

Wealth tax factors would be raised by 18.75 pct to 33.33 pct.

[19] General Labour Confederation leader on social insurance funds' reserves

Panagopoulos termed TEADY "the spearhead of the overall problem of managing the reserves of public social insurance funds," stressing that labour unions "will not accept scandals of the type of the Akropolis Stock Exchange company at the expense of the insured, pensioners and Greek society."

"We will not accept the reserves of the 80 social insurance funds to constitute gambling for the high risk markets that government statesmen and organisation officials desire to play," he said.

Panagopoulos expressed the solidarity of GSEE for the nationwide strike called by ADEDY on March 28 and stressed that GSEE's 33rd congress, due to take place in Athens between March 15-18, will be the starting point for the trade union movement's unity of action and new struggles.

[20] Parliament rejects proposal by PASOK on bank loans

PASOK deputies voted in favour, while the deputies of the ruling New Democracy party, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and of Syriza were against.

Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas said that the government's bill reshaping legislation on Consumer Protection will be in Parliament by April 5.

Sioufas said that PASOK's proposal was a good try, while calling on citizens to participate as well in the process of protecting the interests of both themselves and society in its entirety.

[21] Scarabeo-6 platform drill arrives for extensive upgrade at Elefsis Shipyards

The the third-generation semi-submersible self-propelled drilling rig Scarabeo-6, which belongs to the SAIPEM oil services company, a subsidiary of the Italian ENI SpA, is the third such project to be undertaken by Elefsis Shipyards on behalf of major petrol companies.

The planned interim inspection works include upgrading of the rig for a maximum water depth capability (capability of operation in water depths) of up to 780 metres, from the platform's current 550-metre capability.

The platform, with a length of 80 metres and breadth of 62 metres, ranks among the largest of its kind, has a crew of 110 scientific and technical personnel, and can drill up to 7,500 metres.

In the past decade, Elefsis Shipyards, a member of the Neorion Group, in addition to its activities in the sectors of shipbuilding and repairs of naval and passenger ships and luxury pleasure craft, has also had substantial activity in the petrol and natural gas market, undertaking extensive repair and conversion projects of floating platforms and drilling vessels of American and Norwegian companies specialising in oil exploration and drilling.

[22] Competition watchdog fines car importer 12.7 mln euros

The Competition Commission said Mava fixed sale prices on new cars and imposed unfavorable terms on its dealer network. The Commission said the company, apart from paying the fine, must also withdraw all its illegal practices.

The fine is the biggest ever imposed in Greece against a single company.

[23] EFG Hellas successfully completes sale of 750-mln-euro FRN bond issue

Banc of America Securities Ltd, Deutsche Bank and Lehman Brothers were the main underwriters of the issue, with BBVA and Natixis senior co-managers and Piraeus Bank co-manager of the issue.

[24] Emporiki Bank says Credit Agricole fully behind Balkan activities

Speaking to reporters during his first press conference as head of Emporiki Bank, Krontiras said the bank had lost more than 50 percent of its efficiency over previous years, along with market shares in basic banking services, although he stressed that with the support of Credit Agricole -- the biggest bank in France -- Emporiki Bank aims to become one of the biggest banks in Greece again.

The Greek banker said a restructuring programme implemented by Emporiki would be completed in three stages, the first in 100 days; the second in 500 days and the third in 1,500 days. The bank enjoys the highest credit ratings amongst Greek banks, as it achieved full restructuring of its balance sheet.

Jean-Frederic de Leusse, chairman of Emporiki Bank's board, said Credit Agricole would fully support Emporiki Bank's subsidiaries in the Balkans (Albania, Bulgaria, Romania) and Cyprus.

[25] Hellenic Aluminium 2007 exhibition opens next month

The Hellenic Aluminium Association, which represents the entire aluminum industry in Greece, ranging from bauxite mining to the manufacture of end products, is busily making its final preparations for the 9th branch exhibition of aluminium technology and applications "Hellenic Aluminium 2007", which will take place at the EXPO ATHENS exhibition centre in the suburb of Anthoussa from April 26 to 29.

The exhibition, entry to which is free of charge, addresses itself to professionals in the field as well as to the broader public, and is organised by ROTA exhibitions organiser.

Greece's development minister Dimitris Sioufas has been invited to inaugurate the exhibition.

The aluminum branch represents 6 percent of overall Greek manufacturing, is ranked among the 6 most productive branches of Greek industry, accoiunts for 1.6 percentage points of Greece's GDP, and directly and indirectly employs 40,000 people.

[26] Greek enterprises paid 162,000 euros in compensation for illegal software

BSA has made widespread inspections to Greek enterprises since early 2006, with 50 percent of inspections carried out in Northern Greece.

BSA carried out 180,000 inspections in Europe, Middle East and Africa last year in cases of illegal software use, while the average compensation and legal expenses paid by enterprises worldwide totalled 12,250 euros.

"When an enterprise operates with illegal software, inevitably risks its existence. Additionally, it risks inspections by the Special Inspection Agency of the Finance ministry," Mrs Sarah Coombes, head of Legal Affairs of BSA in Europe, Middle East and Africa said.

A recent report by IDC for 2005 showed the softwar piracy in the European Union totalled 35 percent, with Greece at the top with a rate of 64 percent. BSA operates in Greece since 1992.

[27] Maillis Group to begin operations in Italy

[28] Greek stocks end 1.40 pct higher

All sector indices scored gains, with the exception of the Bank index which fell 0.28 pct. The Food-Beverage (3.57 pct), Telecommunications (2.84 pct) and Chemicals (2.83 pct) scored the biggest percentage gains of the day.

The Big Cap index rose 0.85 pct, the Mid Cap index ended 1.81 pct higher and the Small Cap index ended 1.63 pct up. Eurobrokers (20 pct) and Tria Alpha (17.65 pct) were top gainers, while Allatini Ceramics (14.29 pct), Viosol (11.75 pct) and Vivere (5.70 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 185 to 69 with another 47 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: +2.00%

Industrials: +2.07%

Commercial: +2.76%

Construction: +2.01%

Media: +0.47%

Oil & Gas: +1.95%

Personal & Household: +1.67%

Raw Materials: +2.48%

Travel & Leisure: +2.69%

Technology: +0.42%

Telecoms: +2.84%

Banks: -0.28%

Food & Beverages: +3.57%

Health: +0.59%

Utilities: +1.51%

Chemicals: +2.83%

Financial Services: +2.22%

The stocks with the highest turnover were Regency Entertain-ment, OTE, National Bank and Alpha Bank.

Selected shares from the FTSE/ASE-20 index closed in euros as follows:

Alpha Bank: 21.96

ATEbank: 3.84

Public Power Corp (PPC): 19.78

HBC Coca Cola: 31.64

Hellenic Petroleum: 10.40

Emporiki Bank: 21.38

National Bank of Greece: 39.02

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 28.30

Intralot: 24.24

Cosmote: 22.26

OPAP: 27.82

OTE: 21.90

Titan Cement Company: 42.70

[29] Greek bond market closing report

The 10-year benchmark bond (July 20, 2017) was the most heavily traded security with a turnover of 495 million euros, followed by the five-year bond (August 20, 2012) with 310 million euros. The yield spread between the 10-year Greek and German bonds was 0.227 percent, with the Greek bond yielding 4.17 pct and the German Bund 3.95 pct.

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates were mixed. National Bank's overnight rate eased to 3.54 pct from 3.56 pct on Wednesday, the two-day rate fell to 3.55 pct from 3.57 pct, the one-month rate rose to 3.84 pct from 3.80 pct and the 12-month rate rose to 4.08 pct from 4.04 pct.

[30] Foreign Exchange Rates - Friday

U.S. dollar 1.325

Pound sterling 0.686

Danish kroner 7.507

Swedish kroner 9.359

Japanese yen 155.25

Swiss franc 1.619

Norwegian kroner 8.218

Cyprus pound 0.584

Canadian dollar 1.561

Australian dollar 1.702

General News

[31] Parliament ceremony marks International Women's Day

In an address, Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki noted that the "balance between positive and negative" was currently still in deficit for women, who still faced inequality, harsher life conditions, unfair treatment, greater burdens and difficult obligations.

Representing the government was Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas, who offered each woman MP and Parliamentary correspondent at the ceremony a single rose and spoke stirringly about using March 8 to demand equality in all areas of life, including pay, employment prospects and the balance between home and working life.

Speaking after Sioufas were representatives of all the political parties in Parliament, who stressed that much remains to be done to achieve gender equality. The ceremony ended with the recitation of a poem by Odysseas Elytis by PASOK MP Dimitris Georgakopoulos, who dedicated it to all women.

[32] Left-wing party leaders' on International Women's Day

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) General Secretary Aleka Papariga stressed that March 8 was an extremely significant day that marked the struggle 150 years ago of women labourers, the most progressive section of working women, to demand equal pay and an eight-hour day.

She said this struggle should now adopt modern demands for the true equality of women and assist families, noting that the party's focus was on young women and young couples.

Coalition of the Left, of Movements and Ecology (SYN) party leader Alekos Alavanos marked the day by attending a protest held by the Union of Beauticians of Greece outside the company NOTOS over the sacking of 15 women that included two members of the union's board.

Alavanos underlined that it was unacceptable that in the year 2007 in Greece, a company could fire workers for having a leading role in the creation of a labour union at their workplace.

[33] Tourism minister pays tribute to Rosa Luxemburg in Berlin

Visiting Greek Tourism Development Minister Fani Palli-Petralia, speaking on the occasion of the International Women's Day, paid tribute on Thursday to German communist revolutionary Rosa Luxemburg by laying three red roses on a monument erected near the point where the body of the assassinated revolutionary was found.

Rosa Luxemburg, and her comrade Karl Liebknecht, were captured in Berlin by the Freikorps, a fascist militia on January 15, 1919 and murdered on the same day, after a failed uprising.

Palli-Petralia inaugurated on Wednesday the Greek pavilion at Berlin's international tourism exhibition ITB.

In statements to the state-run Greek broadcaster, the Greek minister said that Luxemburg was a "protagonist in the struggle for women's equality" and a "symbol".

[34] Ancient, Modern Greek to be taught at Zagreb's Classical Gymnasium

During his visit, pupils recited passages from Homer's Illiad in ancient Greek, as well as excerpts of poems by ancient Greek poets Alcaeus (Alkaios) and Tyrtaeus (Tyrtaios), while the school's theatrical group presented scenes from Aeschylus' Eumenidie, and Sophocles' Oedipus Tyrannus (Oedipus Rex).

Livadas further had the opportunity to discuss with the pupils on the history and modern face of Greece, while he also was given a tour of the Gymnasium's library, which houses some 30,000 volumes, some of which are extremely rare.

The Gymnasium's Drama Group visits Greece each year to present small productions at Olympia and Epidaurus, and visit historical sites.

[35] Wireless audio guide, automated ticket systems OK'd for museums, sites

Minister George Voulgarakis said 10 million euros have been allocated for the two long-delayed projects, with the audio guide system expected to be completed in 14 months an installed at 15 museums and archaeological sites around the country, beginning on a pilot basis at the Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum and the Mycenae.

The automated ticket machines will be instituted on a pilot basis at the Lindos site on Rhodes, the National Archaeological Museum of Athens and at Delphi.

[36] Man shot dead during attempted jewellery store robbery in Piraeus

The owner of the store was also seriously wounded. The two perpetrators, who are reportedly Moldovan nationals, were arrested.

[37] Case of Alex's disappearance from Veria

The brothers are aged 13 and 12.

Another minor, who is also involved in the case, is expected to appear before public prosecutor Georgiou on Tuesday and he will be probably as well will be given a deadline to testify.

On Wednesday, two other minors, aged 13 and 12, were given a deadline to testify on March 20 and 21 respectively.

The five minors are charged with manslaughter with intent. Their parents and guardians, who are accused of neglect in supervising the youngsters, will be called on testify at later dates.

[38] Another speedboat loaded with illegals intercepted off Samos

The 18 individuals, all men, were detained after a coast guard patrol boat chased and finally intercepted the speedboat.

[39] Firefighters battle blaze in forest expanse in Kastoria throughout the night

Additional firefighting forces joined the effort at dawn Thursday, while special crews were opening up fire-belts.

The fire has ravaged 50 stremma of forestland covered with pine-tree needles, although firefighters said there was no risk of the blaze reaching populated areas.

Soccer

[40] Athens mayor confers city medal on UEFA president

The medal was awarded to Platini in recognition of his significant contribution to football and sport, in general.

"When values remain unaltered through time, myths are born. It is indeed an honour and a pleasure for me, as the Mayor of Athens, to confer the Medal of the City of Athens on UEFA chairman, Mr. Michel Platini. A man with sincere love and a vision for football. An expert on the needs of European football. His strategic mind, adeptness in scoring an virtuosity as a team leader serve as the best guarantee of success in his mission as UEFA chairman," Kaklamanis said.

On his part, Platini referred to the European Champions League Cup final which will be held at Athens' Olympic stadium in May.

"I'm certain that the two teams which will come here to play in the final will find themselves in a very beautiful environment, in the sun. They will find a people who adore football," Platini said.

Weather forecast

[41] Cloudy on Friday

[42] The Thursday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "Debts to banks reached 157 billion euros in December 2006, according to figures from the Bank of Greece".

ANO KATO: "Karamanlis' plans for the next 4-year term - The reforms will continue after the 2008 elections".

APOGEVMATINI: "We've overcome the major impasses - The premier presented the three-year government work to the ND parliamentary group".

AVGHI: "The government...celebrating the clash with the youths - Three years of governance against the social state".

AVRIANI: "The people in despair after the new increase in interest rates - The European Bank raised the interest rates seven times in 15 months".

CHORA: "Karamanlis: The reforms will continue after 2008".

ELEFTHERI ORA: "The 'Black Book' (referring to a 'counter'-review of ND's three years in power, with a list of 'failed' promises and actions)".

ELEFTHEROS: "Five mesages from Karamanlis to PASOK and society from the podium of the ND parliamentary group".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "We've overcome the impasses - Karamanlis review of the three years of the New Governance".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Black Book and white Book on elections - 3 years ND: Karamanlis beautifies them, PASOK stigmatises them".

ESTIA: "Respect for the institutions - Karamanlis ruled out early general elections".

ETHNOS: "The 'blue' false words - PASOK: The 'Black Book' of Karamanlis' three years in office".

KATHIMERINI: "Environment, Europe's big challenge - Merkel (German chancellor): We must commit ourselves on the pollutants - Gore (former US vice-president): The EU must move to the forefront".

LOGOS: "He ruled out early elections - Definitive reply by the prime minister to the rumours".

NIKI: "He's sharing out promises again - Karamanlis pushed back the materialisation of the 'commitments' to 2008".

RIZOSPASTIS: "The ND government accountable to the people - Three years of continuation of the anti-popular policy".

TA NEA: "Europe asks for super-austerity in 2008 - Report on Greece", adding that, acording to the EU report, the necessary reforms were not progressing and that a new policy of austerity will be required as of 2008.

TO VIMA: "Karamanlis' dilemma: With Putin (Russian president) or Bush (US president) at the summit?".

VRADYNI: "Leave them by themselves in their extremities - Karamanlis, with the advantage of the tranquil power".

Cyprus Affairs

[43] President Papadopoulos says Turkish side evading July 8 provisions

Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos said on Thursday that the Turkish side is trying to evade the provisions of the 8 July 2006 agreement, adding that if the Turkish Cypriots had been truly in a hurry for a Cyprus settlement, they would haven responded to the proposals of the government for the immediate commencement of the work of the technical committees.

Speaking at Larnaca Airport before departing for Brussels, President Papadopoulos said the Turkish side was ''trying to evade the clear provisions of 8 July,'' adding that ''we submitted a proposal last Friday and we are waiting for the response of the Turkish side.''

President Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat agreed on 8 July 2006, during a meeting in Nicosia in the presence of former UN Undersecretary General for political Affairs Ibrahim Gambari, to begin a process of bicommunal discussions on issues that affect the day-to-day life of the people and concurrently those that concern substantive issues, both contributing to a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem.

Regarding trade between the EU and the areas of the Republic of Cyprus under Turkish occupation, the president said talks were being held and efforts were being made by the Cypriot side to give its interpretation regarding the 26 April 2004 decision.

He said talks with the German presidency of the EU were being held in ''a good climate,'' adding that the German presidency was requesting that the talks be held away from the limelight, in order to be effective.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

[44] President says Cyprus to join Eurozone if House votes in favour

Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos said on Thursday that if the House of Representatives did not vote in favour of joining the Eurozone, then ''we simply will not proceed with the accession.''

Speaking at Larnaca Airport before departing for Brussels to participate in the European Council, President Papadopoulos pointed out that ''the EU determines the dates for the completion of the legislative convergence, because the economic convergence already exists.''

''Those who believe our decision to join the Eurozone is correct, will vote in favour because that is what they believe in,'' adding that ''they are doing it neither to help the government nor to carry out party politics.''

Commenting on remarks by the opposition that the largest party supporting and participating in the government is against joining the Eurozone in January next year, President Papadopoulos said the parties cooperating with the government are committed to applying the government's programme, as it was announced in the pre-election period, but can maintain their autonomy on issues which were not included in the programme, such as the Eurozone.

Referring to the agenda of the European Council, he said the main topic of discussion would be energy and all its dimensions and the impact of automobile, machinery and factory emissions on the climate and the environment.

President Papadopoulos said the meeting would be ''very important'' and noted that for two months now various EU working groups have been preparing the summit.

''There are many reservations and disagreements between EU members and we all hope it will be possible to approve a general policy, which will set out the framework for the next ten to fifteen years,'' he said.

[45] Cypriot President to pay official visit to Romania

Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos will be departing on March 12 for Bucharest for an official visit.

During his stay in Bucharest, President Papadopoulos will be meeting with Romanian President Traian Basescu and Prime Minister Calin Tariceanu.

According to an official press release, the visit will be taking place at a special moment for Romania, which joined the EU in January this year.

Topics to be discussed during the talks include ways to further strengthen relations between the two countries in sectors of mutual interest, such as trade, investments and tourism, as well as the creation of conditions that would allow the development of a truly constructive partnership between Cyprus and Romania within the EU.

The president will be accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs George Lillikas and Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Antonis Michaelides, as well as a multimember delegation of businesspeople and representatives of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Employers and Industrialists' Federation.

He returns home on March 14.

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